Julian Edelman decided to remain with the New England Patriots, confirming via Twitter his second go-round in the free-agent market ended just as the first did.

Terms were not immediately available, but the deal is cause for Pats quarterback Tom Brady to relax. Brady and Edelman combined for 105 receptions and 1,056 receiving yards as their combination became the focal point of the passing game.

His six touchdowns last season were a career high, as were his catch and yards totals.

Edelman was a godsend to the Pats in a season in which their vaunted receiving corps was ripped apart. Wes Welker left, Aaron Hernandez was in jail, Rob Gronkowski was battered and Danny Amendola never found his mojo with Brady.

Now the Pats head toward summer with their top receiver under contract and a fresh perspective on their passing game.

Coach Bill Belichick made a pass at Steve Smith, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday after being cast off by the Carolina Panthers.

If Gronkowski is healthy, the team will look for more from wideouts Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins. But Edelman is the linchpin in the scheme among wideouts.

Edelman's flirtation with free agency in 2013 was brief; his fling in 2014 was similar. A visit with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, NFL.com noted, yielded nothing but frequent flyer miles.

The Cleveland Browns were interested in Edelman as well, hoping to unite him and former Pats quarterback Brian Hoyer. Edelman played at Kent State.

The Pats stocked up on defensive backs this week, signing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.